Usually, the motor power and the fans are considered the major factors which determine the energy efficiency of an IQF tunnel freezer, but there are many other aspects that need to be taken into consideration when determining the energy efficiency of an IQF freezer.
Those factors are: aerodynamics, the coil design, the bedplates and housing and floor heating. We will discuss them later, but first, let's see how the fans affect an IQF tunnel freezer's energy efficiency.
The fans
Standard IQF freezers run the fans at maximum capacity, in order to achieve good freezing results, but the OctoFrostTM IQF tunnel freezer uses vane axial fans, which run at different speeds in order to avoid unnecessary overblow of the product and energy waste.
Due to the innovative design of the fans, food processors can adapt their speed depending on the type of product inside the freezer. In order to obtain the desired freezing results, the OctoFrostTM IQF tunnel freezer usually runs the fans at 75-85% of their maximum speed and allows better air control, which leads to energy efficiency.
Aerodynamics
The freezer's fan speed, temperature, pressure, and design all combine, providing the optimal aerodynamics inside the OctoFrostTM IQF tunnel freezer. By ensuring efficient aerodynamics, the freezer ensures a high-quality end product, with minimum dehydration, while ensuring maximum energy efficiency.
The coil design
The coil design is very important in terms of heat transfer. OctoFrostTM IQF tunnel freezer's oversized coil allows the fans to run at lower speeds, while the large front area decreases the time between defrosts.
Bedplates
Most freezers use a conveyor belt to transport the product inside the freezer, resulting in a low energy efficiency. The OctoFrostTM IQF tunnel freezer uses perforated bedplates, which ensure the optimal fluidization and means less energy consumption, with improved freezing results.
Housing and floor heating
Usually, IQF freezers need floor heating against extreme temperatures, otherwise the floor will freeze quickly and create cracks, which will destroy the freezer. Heating the floor is an expensive and energy consuming process for frozen food processors. The OctoFrostTM IQF tunnel freezer doesn't need heating, as the freezer body stands on its own supporting feet, allowing the air to circulate under the freezer and preventing the accumulation of cold in the floor. Moreover, the freezer's walls have really good insulation, which slows down the heat transfer process significantly.
When choosing the optimal IQF tunnel freezer for your production line, the energy cost is one of the most important aspects you must take into consideration. OctoFrost is here to help you make the optimal decision for your business.